TWO errors from goalkeeper Connor Beard proved costly for Knutsford FC on Saturday.

Despite competing well for large parts of their trip to Cheshire Football League Premier Division leaders FC St Helens, they came away having been beaten 3-1.

While there was plenty for manager Nathan Steele to work with in terms of performance, the need for points is becoming more urgent.

Debutant striker Kazim Waite-Jackson was looking lively for Reds as they started the game brightly before falling behind in controversial circumstances.

Tyler Shaw was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the penalty area and Ryan Mason converted from the spot to give the hosts the lead.

The table-toppers edged the first half but Knutsford’s improved defending limited them to half-chances before the break.

Ten minutes after the restart, however, they were gifted a second goal as Beard was pressured into an error to allow Andrew Gillespie a simple tap-in.

However, heads did not drop – Knutsford continued to push their hosts back and with 13 minutes left, they got their reward.

George Riley’s clever reverse pass found Waite-Jackson, who finished well into the corner to bring the game back to life.

Reds continued to press for a leveller, but a carbon-copy third goal settled things in favour of St Helens.

Beard once again came a cropper as Gillespie robbed him of possession to double his tally and leave Knutsford with too much to do.

Steele’s men are slated for a trip to Crewe FC on Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Meanwhile, Egerton have booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Manchester FA Saturday Challenge Trophy.

They thrashed Beechfield United 7-2 in their last-eight tie on Saturday, with Kofi Landon starring with a hat-trick.

Louis Brown scored twice off the bench, with Niall Rhodes and Harry Short also on target.

Yellows are back in league action on Saturday as they welcome Daten to Egerton Youth Club, kick off 2pm.